2 Thessalonians 3 reminds me of Power Steering. The first car I drove did not have that option. Turning the wheel took real effort, particularly when the car was not moving. Once in motion, turning became much easier. Today’s lesson is about steering clear of danger. Paul has some final thoughts about “other matters”. First, he requests prayer, “that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly”. It is difficult for many in the western world today to conceive of a time when basic human rights were not available. The Sanctity of Life, Private Property, and Due Process did not exist for the common man (or woman) in most of the world for most of human history. Christianity changed the world by declaring that every one of us has fallen short of perfection. All have sinned, but all can be made righteous in Christ. The Christian sees every soul as redeemable. Paul also asked for prayer that they would be “delivered from wicked and evil people”. Everywhere Paul went, his life was in danger. Those in power like to stay in power. Paul preached Christ as Lord, the highest authority. He reminds them “the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you”. Each of us will stall, wear out, and go off course from time to time. Paul’s encouragement is that God is perfect. God will complete every promise and accomplish His purposes. Trusting in God’s faithfulness gives us strength to continue on. Paul prays for their attitude, “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance”. We can easily become hard-hearted toward those who wrong us. Although it can take time, God’s love can heal every wound.
Next Paul admonishes them to “keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive”. We get into mischief when we have too much time on our hands. Instead, he tells them to “live according to the teaching you received from us”. And “follow our example”. While in Thessalonica, Paul did not accept any financial support. He wanted nothing to interfere with anyone hearing about forgiveness through Christ. “We worked night and day, laboring… in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate”. Paul gave them a rule to follow: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat”. To be clear, this is directed at those that claim to be preachers of God’s Word. The church is to look inward first, but we also need to be alert for scammers. All work is honorable. Those able, but unwilling to work steal resources from the truly needy. Giving is done locally first to allow for discernment of true need.
He continues his warning about the idle and disruptive, pointing out “They are not busy; they are busybodies”. Prosperity can create a sense of purposelessness. Here is a one-sentence solution to many of society’s problems. Urge the idle to “settle down and earn the food they eat”. It is very hard to make changes in life while being idle. Once we help get folks moving, we can then help guide them into wise decisions along the way. Paul adds a special emphasis to believers, “brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good”. We cannot prevent deceivers from fraud, but we can continue helping the stranded. What are we to do about the takers? If they will not receive instruction, “Do not associate with them”. Again, this is directed at believers first, and then to anyone else that takes advantage of our generosity. He explains this is so that “they may feel ashamed”. Shame can be the turning point for change. Paul adds, “do not regard them as an enemy”. We are not to condemn them, but compassionately “warn them”. He closes his letter with another prayer, “May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way”. Godly peace starts with receiving “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Friend, there is power in the name of Jesus.